Nearly 50% of Irish trainee doctors don’t plan to work here.

The finding is contained in the Medical Council's annual report for 2014 – which includes the first survey of all trainee doctors in the country.

Just 54 per cent say they intend to work here in the years ahead – with 21 per cent saying they will leave to practise abroad – and 25 per cent undecided.

Medical Council President Professor Freddie Wood says he's not surprised by the findings – and says Ireland needs to focus on how to bring young doctors back from abroad.